The Minnesota Vikings have a gap right now at WR3 that needs to be addressed in the offseason, but one solution might have popped up in front of them.
Minnesota was not able to bring back Jalen Nailor, who got a massive payday from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Vikings obviously have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to start, but they need one more receiver to step in and play.
Maybe one of their former receivers could help, as the United Football League started its season this past weekend, and a former Viking, the Louisville Kings' receiver Lucky Jackson, had a breakout performance. Despite the Kings' loss, Jackson finished as the team's leading receiver with six receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown.
Lucky Jackson might end up being an intriguing option for the Minnesota Vikings at WR3 in 2026
Over the last three years, Jackson has been with the Vikings as mostly a practice squad member, but he did play in three games back in 2023. That was the same year he went for 572 yards and five touchdowns with the DC Defenders of the XFL, which landed him a contract with Minnesota. In eight preseason games with the Vikings, Jackson has caught 12 passes for 129 yards.
At the moment, the options are pretty thin as to who can be the number three receiver in this offense. The Vikings can pick from Tai Felton, Myles Price, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming, and Joaquin Davis.
Felton feels like the best option as he was drafted last season by Minnesota for this moment that the Vikings would lose Nailor in free agency. Price also could be in the running, but he is more of a special teams returner for the Vikings, so they would rather keep him there.
Jackson is a perfect fit in the slot as he does a great job of finding the first down line and picking up those yards after catch. He also has reliable hands that could make either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy confident in him.
Even if Tai Felton ends up being the pick at WR3, the Minnesota Vikings could use some more help at wide receiver and bringing in a veteran pass catcher like Jackson just makes sense for the 2026 NFL season and possibly beyond.